Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Student Athletes Beware: March Madness Gambling Has Serious Consequences

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: March 13, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Student Athletes joining in on a campus pool for March Madness is harmless fun, right?  Don’t bet on it!

The chance to earn a little money through March Madness gambling brackets and betting pools may be enticing and seemingly harmless to student athletes. However, many may not be aware that small “friendly wagers” constitute a violation of sports law and the provisions that govern gambling.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association monitors gambling among student athletes very closely during March Madness, and committing NCAA violations by gambling can reap serious consequences for otherwise stellar student athletes. This includes making bets through a bookmaker, the internet or any other method utilized by organized gambling, or giving information to another individual to make bets.

Athletes should keep in mind that while NCAA laws do not expressly prohibit athletes from filling out the typical team bracket sheet, it does fall into the gambling (and therefore illegal) category when money is paid to enter the pool and prizes of any nominal value are given.  The simple rule to remember is that if the contest requires an entry fee and can result in winning a prize, then chances are it is considered to be sports wagering and is prohibited.  Entry fees and/or prizes come in many “shapes and sizes” but typically involve something of value in either case.  There are many contests that are free to enter but offer a prize. There are also contests that charge a fee, but result in no prize.  These are permissible contests that should not jeopardize your eligibility as a NCAA student-athlete.

Those who are found to be in violation of NCAA law can face a number of punishments which may include indefinite suspension from a team or expulsion from school, both of which may jeopardize students from being drafted into professional sports leagues. In addition, players may also be banned from professional sports and, in serious cases, face jail time. 

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Why Secured Transactions Are Important post image

Why Secured Transactions Are Important

Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Why Secured Transactions Are Important"
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications post image

Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications

Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications"
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors post image

Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors"
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers post image

Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers

Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers"
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important? post image

What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?

Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?"
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals post image

Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals

Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!